Microsoft Windows 10 launches today with a good deal of fanfare and press coverage. The new Operating System (OS) arrives packed with new features, including major security updates, business upgrades, and a digital assistant called Cortana.
Microsoft’s previous OS, Windows 8, met with a hostile reaction in 2012, and even the 8.1 upgrade failed to quell the general disdain users had for the OS. With Windows commonplace for many businesses the world over, 8 has been skipped entirely by many companies. There has been no solution for Microsoft but to push on and deliver a new project. Now that it’s here (and it’s free to download for the time being), has the hard work been worthwhile and is it time for your business to upgrade?
The Problem With Windows 8
Key to Windows 10 has been correcting the problems consumers had with the last update. Following the success of Apple’s revolutionary gesture-based software, Microsoft introduced a Tile format with the idea being for personalisation and interactivity. From the start it wasn’t popular.
Consumer outrage particularly pointed at the loss of the Start button, which made it difficult to log off the computer and generally confused people. Even a return of sorts in the Windows 8.1 upgrade didn’t diminish the animosity leveled at the OS. Consequently, and after only three short years, a replacement is here in an attempt to reconnect with customers.
Windows 10 Is Here
It’s a huge moment for Microsoft, and the company has been busy promoting the new OS. On the Microsoft blog, the company says, “We wanted to create a Windows that empowered people and organizations to do great things. Our vision was one platform, one store, and one experience that extends across the broadest range of devices from the smallest screens to the largest screens to no screens at all.”
Windows 10 is available in 190 countries and Microsoft isn't holding back—it's calling it “the best Windows ever.” To live up to this promise, it's gone about the new software in four key ways:
- Make it fast and familiar.
- Ensure a secure experience.
- Allow greater personalisation and more productivity.
- Offer more innovation over more devices.
As always with a new OS, it’s best to dive in and experience the technology for yourself, but there are certain highlights to keep a look out for:
- Cortana, a digital assistant (previously only available on Windows Phones), that remembers common interests. Much like Siri on Apple phones, you can talk to Cortana and receive reasonably intelligent responses.
- A new sign in system called Windows Hello. This can be based on face recognition if you want to avoid using a password.
- Action Center for notifications and access to regular settings.
- Personalisable features and virtual desktops.
- A new browser called Edge offering high speeds and new security options, signaling the end of Internet Explorer.
- Direct X 12 for longer battery life.
- The Start icon has returned for good.
Windows 10 is a free upgrade (for now) if you have genuine versions of Windows 7 or 8.1. If you have Windows 8 you will need to upgrade to 8.1 to make the free download. For other users, Windows 10 Home costs $119 and Windows 10 Pro is $199. To download the software, you have to reserve your upgrade in the Windows app and, from there, everything will happen automatically.
Windows 10 for Businesses
Microsoft has been eager to make Windows 10 appeal to large corporations and small businesses alike. To ensure this it has aimed to “protect your business, delight your employees, and innovate.” Starting today the tech giant is encouraging businesses to evaluate and pilot the OS with a free 90-day Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation.
Microsoft says, “Windows 10 will help your company protect against modern cyber-attacks, deliver experiences your employees will love, and enable continuous innovation with a platform that keeps your company up to date with the latest technology.” They add, “We encourage small businesses to take advantage of the free upgrade offer to Windows 10 from genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 PCs and tablets. And, we encourage all enterprise customers to begin testing and planning your deployment now.”
The main appeal for businesses will be the cutting-edge security features. These include allowing users to log into their devices without the need for passwords through Microsoft Passport and Windows Hello; Credential Guard, which protects corporate identities; and automatic data encryption to keep sensitive data protected.
On the innovation front, Windows 10 offers a unified “Mobile Device Management” platform across all devices. This creates streamlined access to devices and ensures compatibility. Microsoft is also introducing new hardware such as HoloLens and Surface Hub to shake up the workplace routine with intriguing new technological prospects.
You can read in full what Windows 10 has to offer your business here.
Windows 10 for the Future
The launch is only the start for Microsoft, and consumers can expect software upgrades continuously from now on. Microsoft has listened to consumer feedback and has clearly tried very hard to remove the perceived flaws of Windows 8.
I was very happy with the launch version of 10, even after a few hours of interaction. It’s faster and easier to use than its predecessor, boasts Cortana, is more accessible, has better security features, and is a free upgrade.
Businesses will be able to employ it in innovative new ways to help with productivity, too, and the enhanced security features and consumer friendliness could make this a vital upgrade. Perhaps it’s time to move on from Windows 7, forget about 8, and embrace this new Windows for a streamlined new era of success.
Watch an overview of Windows 10 from TechRadar below:
